Babar: The Movie

Babar: The Movie

Year: 1989

Runtime: 70 mins

Language: English

Director: Alan Bunce

AnimationFantasyFamilyAdventure

A feature‑length adventure fit for a king, the beloved elephant created by Jean and Laurent de Brunhoff finally reaches the big screen. The tale is narrated by King Babar, who recounts in flashback how a younger Babar and his sweetheart Celeste defended her village against a horde of aggressive rhinoceroses intent on raiding it.

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Timeline & Setting – Babar: The Movie (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Babar: The Movie (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Set in a fictional, timeless elephant kingdom, the events unfold in the early days of Babar's rule. The plot follows the urgent shift from ceremonial duties to bold action as a crisis erupts with Rataxes. It emphasizes a formative period where leadership is forged through peril.

Location

Elephantland, Rhino City, Jungle

Elephantland is a verdant kingdom ruled by Babar, known for its grand annual parade and family-centered culture. The story moves between Elephantland's bustling capital and the dangerous outskirts where Rhinos threaten enslaved elephants. The setting contrasts festive pageantry with a looming war, highlighting how leadership is tested in times of crisis.

🐘 Adventure 👑 Leadership 🗺️ Exploration 🧭 Resilience

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:37

Main Characters – Babar: The Movie (1989)

Meet the key characters of Babar: The Movie (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

King Babar (Gordon Pinsent)

King Babar assumes the throne on short notice, balancing ceremonial duties with a budding resolve to protect Elephantland. He is bold and determined, yet learns to navigate bureaucratic caution. The story portrays him as a developing leader who relies on trusted allies to defend his realm.

👑 Royalty 🛡️ Leadership

Young Celeste (Sarah Polley)

Young Celeste inspires urgency by reporting the attack on her home and motivates Babar to intervene. She shows courage and a steadfast sense of family, serving as the emotional catalyst for the quest. Her bond with Babar anchors the story’s core.

🧒 Courage 🐘 Family

Queen Celeste / The Lady (Elizabeth Hanna)

Queen Celeste stands as Elephantland's regal matriarch and symbol of resilience amid threat. The Lady figure embodies the royal authority that faces danger from Rataxes. Her presence reinforces the stakes of the conflict.

👑 Queen 🛡️ Protector

Rataxes the Rhinoceros (Charles Kerr)

Rataxes is the antagonist driving the invasion, intent on enslaving elephants to build a rhino city. He represents tyranny and strategic threat against Elephantland. His actions escalate the crisis that Babar must resolve.

🐾 Villain 🦏 Tyranny

Pom (Bobby Becken)

Pom is one of the chancellors who clings to committee procedures, highlighting bureaucratic caution. His role adds comedic relief while underscoring the tension between process and action. He represents the institutional guard that Babar contends with.

🗣️ Adviser ⏱️ Delay

Isabelle (Lisa Yamanaka)

Isabelle is part of Elephantland's community and participates in the social fabric surrounding the royal events. Her exact role isn’t detailed, but she contributes to the environment in which the parade and crisis unfold.

👧 Friend 🧭 Community

Alexander (Amos Crawley)

Alexander is one of Babar's children who inhabit the royal world and temperament within Elephantland. He represents the family aspect of Babar's life and the continuity of the royal lineage.

👦 Family 🐘 Child

Boy Babar (Gavin Magrath)

Boy Babar is the younger version of the future king, illustrating the lineage and memory of leadership that informs the present. He participates in the royal world and helps frame the story's origin.

🧒 Young 🐘 Family

Croc (Ray Landry)

Croc appears as part of the animal cast that populates Elephantland’s world, contributing to the animal ensemble surrounding the royal family. His presence adds to the colorful community backdrop.

🐊 Creature 🌀 Supporting

Flora (Marsha Moreau)

Flora is a member of Elephantland’s community, contributing to the familial and social milieu of the story. She participates in the parade world that frames the epic events.

🌺 Friend 🐘 Community

Zephir (Monkey)

Zephir is a clever monkey who provides crucial information about Rataxes' lair, aiding Babar and Celeste in their quest. He represents a helpful ally encountered in the jungle.

🐒 Guide 🗺️ Ally

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:37

Major Themes – Babar: The Movie (1989)

Explore the central themes of Babar: The Movie (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗺️ Leadership

Babar navigates the tension between committee deliberation and decisive action, illustrating how strong leadership can mobilize a nation. He learns to balance consultation with timely risk-taking to protect his people. The narrative frames leadership as a blend of vision, responsibility, and courage.

🛡️ Courage

Babar ventures into danger to rescue Celeste and confront Rataxes, showing personal bravery beyond ceremonial duties. The journey tests his resolve and resilience against overwhelming odds. Courage becomes the catalyst for decisive action and salvation.

🤝 Unity

The alliance with Zephir and reliance on friends and advisers demonstrate that collective effort overcomes tyranny. The creation of the giant elephant float as a distraction shows creativity in defense. The victory parade embodies communal resilience and shared celebration.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:37

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Babar: The Movie Summary

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Babar: The Movie Timeline

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Babar: The Movie Timeline

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